The City of Marion, North Carolina is located in the foothills just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its altitude is 1,425 feet.
 

It is the County Seat of McDowell County and is the commercial center for the County and surrounding area. Marion is located just off I-40 and is approximately 36 miles east of Asheville and approximately 40 miles west of Hickory.
 

It is only an hour’s driving time from Marion to many scenic wonders of the Southern Highlands including Chimney Rock, Smokey Mountain National Park, Blowing Rock, Table Rock, Mount Mitchell, numerous lakes and streams and other attractions. For additional information on tourism contact McDowell County Tourism Development Authority at www.mcdowellnc.org